US Troops In Afghanistan Celebrate With Pizza

Last week, people all over America celebrated one of the most important dates of all – Independence Day. With a day off from work, parades or other happy hour care-free customs, people enjoyed the 4^th of July. But the U.S. troops in Afghanistan could not celebrate the same way common Americans do so to commemorate such holiday, they decided to bring a piece of their home in their work place.

Over 150 boxes of deep dish pizzas were brought to the 20,000 soldiers found in the mountain provinces of Afghanistan by the orders of General Paul Funk II with the help of the organization, Pizza 4 Patriots and by an Army Black Hawk helicopter.

The general knew very well that these soldiers deserve pizza and much more. “These guys represent what is best about our country; they’re on the forward edge of freedom,” said the general. “They are fighting to bring freedom to a country that has known nothing but strife and chaos for years.”

Spc. Corey Crowe and Pfc. Anthony Willis experienced the holidays far differently for the first time. The traditional celebration was always cook outs and fireworks but to the young soldiers, there won’t be any of those this year.  But both rookies are still proud and happy with where they are now and what they are getting.

Willis said, “It’s a real honor,” and he added “How many people, for hundreds of years, have fought for our country’s independence? Now I’m one of them.”

Meanwhile Crowe, says “Anything we get here is a God-send,” said Crowe. “I really appreciate it.” He also mentioned that the work done there was very hard but worthwhile. “We have a good mission here and a good partnership with the [Afghan National Security Forces],” he said. “Everyday we’re pushing back against the enemy, trying to make it safer so the people here can enjoy their lives.”

These soldiers, together with the rest of the group are assigned to do some work at Combat Operating Post Sar Howza in Afghanistan Pakita province and they have just started the tour two months ago. Whereas the 3^rd Brigade “Task Force Bulldog” are in their 9^th month of the task.

Both task force however feel home sick, something they cannot avoid with such jobs so the pizzas certainly gave them a little more joy.

“The boys definitely enjoyed the pizza,” he said. “Anything different for a change is nice, especially on a day like today.”

Luckily for the Task Force Bulldogs, their tasks are about done and soon, holidays will be celebrated at home.

“We have a good amount of success to look back on,” said Capt. David Lawburgh, who commands the Bulldog soldiers. “All the agencies here, the Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army and the National Directorate of Security, work together pretty seamlessly and it shows out in the field to the local populace.”